Four decades ago, when Syeda Khatun and a handful of Bangladeshi women gathered in their living rooms to discuss the challenges faced by young families in Tipton, they could never have imagined that their small grassroots group would grow into one of the region’s most impactful community organisations. Founded in 1985, the Tipton Bangladeshi Women’s Association (BWA) has evolved into a vital lifeline for more than 2,500 local residents each year, offering support, friendship, and opportunity across generations and cultures.
Created to support disadvantaged families and champion women’s voices at a time when community groups were predominantly male-led, the BWA quickly became a beacon for social and economic empowerment. Over the years it has campaigned for community cohesion, tackled loneliness, and helped families overcome hardship. Through skills training, English classes, employment programmes and digital access, the organisation has helped increase household incomes by millions of pounds and enabled long-term unemployed women and others to re-enter the workforce.
To mark its remarkable 40th anniversary, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker and Sandwell Council Leader Cllr Kerrie Carmichael visited the BWA’s base at the Tipton Muslim Community Centre to meet volunteers and staff who continue to drive the organisation’s mission forward.
Syeda, now the BWA’s CEO and a Sandwell councillor, reflected on the journey: “None of us imagined we’d still be here four decades later. In those days, nearly all Asian community groups were run by men, so we were different. But being women helped us build trust. Today we support people from all backgrounds, creating a safe, warm place that breaks down myths and shows we are all the same underneath.” She encouraged others to follow their example: “Go volunteer, support those in need. It is incredibly rewarding.”
The BWA has expanded significantly, now operating from a second base at the Jubilee Park Community Centre and running its own allotments where families learn to grow food. Its impact is especially crucial in an area where, according to The End Child Poverty Coalition, nearly 40% of children live in poverty. The organisation runs adult learning courses, youth clubs, early years play groups, holiday activities, English lessons, Zumba sessions and provides digital access for people seeking work or training. Families travel from across Sandwell and neighbouring towns to take part.
Mayor Richard Parker praised the association’s legacy: “What an inspiration the BWA are. For forty years they’ve provided friendship, advocacy and practical support to anyone who needs it. People like Syeda show the power of kindness to unite communities. Here’s to the next 40 years.”
Cllr Carmichael added: “Their compassion and commitment have changed thousands of lives and made Sandwell a fairer, more connected place for everyone.”
